Power Jack issues

Bob E. wrote:
Could be some corrosion inside the unit. We have an aftermarket electric jack on our TT. The jack is only a couple years old but this spring, when we went to move the camper from the back yard where we keep it in winter to the front, the jack was all locked up. We couldn't even use it manually. It was locked up solid. Luckily, we had a few blocks under it that allowed us to still move the camper once we got it hitched to the truck using a floor jack from the garage. Anyways, after we opened it up, we found that water had gotten into the unit and rusted the bearings on the electric motor shaft. We were able to get it all apart and cleaned up so that the bearing is free and it works again. But in the process, we had burned up the switch and the relay/breaker. So those had to be replaced as well. Now it works again, but it seems like it is pretty weak. So we may be replacing the entire thing soon.

I removed the jack and also found a lot of water in it. Took it to a dealer and we were able to free the motor with a hammer drill. It works now but the nut to manually adjust the jack broke, so will have to see if I can get one from LCI. I am also considering getting a better jack this winter for next year, hopefully we are OK until then.

Any advice on the best jacks out there? Thanks all for your help.

Oldcow

Could be some corrosion inside the unit. We have an aftermarket electric jack on our TT. The jack is only a couple years old but this spring, when we went to move the camper from the back yard where we keep it in winter to the front, the jack was all locked up. We couldn't even use it manually. It was locked up solid. Luckily, we had a few blocks under it that allowed us to still move the camper once we got it hitched to the truck using a floor jack from the garage. Anyways, after we opened it up, we found that water had gotten into the unit and rusted the bearings on the electric motor shaft. We were able to get it all apart and cleaned up so that the bearing is free and it works again. But in the process, we had burned up the switch and the relay/breaker. So those had to be replaced as well. Now it works again, but it seems like it is pretty weak. So we may be replacing the entire thing soon.

Wind River wrote:
Did you check the fuse between the battery and the jack?

I did thanks, it was fine. Replaced it just to make sure.

Oldcow

Jack problems can usually be attributed to bad ground conections. They are grounded through contact with the TT frame. Rust can occur between the frame and jack so that there is no longer good grounding contact. You may need to loosen the jack bolts, clean the frame, and re-tighten.

Did you check the fuse between the battery and the jack?

Bucky Badger wrote:

Oldcow wrote:
Hello, getting ready to head out in the am and my power jack just stopped going up or down. Battery is full, trailer is plugged in to shore power. Checked the fuse it is fine, everything else on the trailer works. What can I check? I have a 2013 Outback 300rb.

Thanks for any advice, hoping I don't have to put in a service call early tomorrow.

Oldcow

Probably a bad switch, or bad ground to the frame...My Barker has gone through 3 switches since 07

Thanks, I will check that in the am.

Oldcow

SoundGuy wrote:
Since you're heading out on a trip in the morning why not just crank the tongue jack manually and deal with the issue later? :h

Raising and lowering this trailer manually is a challenge especially when setting up the torsion bars.

Oldcow

Since you're heading out on a trip in the morning why not just crank the tongue jack manually and deal with the issue later? :h